ASHEBORO – After hiring someone who designated to take his place more than a year ago, long time North Carolina Zoo Director Dr. David Jones had set an official retirement date and finalized transition plans for a new director. Jones, 70, has served as the zoo’s director since 1994, more than half of the state landmark’s 41 years. He will hand over the reins to Patricia “Pat” Simmons, the zoo’s current chief operating officer, on Sept. 1, but will remain in a supporting role through October.

“The citizens of North Carolina owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Jones for what he’s accomplished in leading our iconic zoo for all these years,” said Gov. Pat McCrory. “Tens of millions of visitors have walked the grounds in that time, immensely enjoying what he has helped build.”

During Jones’ tenure, the facility consistently has been lauded as one of the top zoos in the country. He arrived to oversee the latter building stages of the North America region, including the Rocky Coast complex, with polar bears, seals, sea lions and arctic sea birds. The focus since has been on new exhibits for elephants, rhinos, chimpanzees and, most recently, an expanded polar bear facility and remodeled nature play area for children called “KidZone.” Under his leadership, the zoo has gained international recognition for its extensive artwork and for its regional and international conservation and animal welfare efforts. Working with the N.C. Zoo Society, Jones has overseen the zoo’s landholdings increase from approximately 1,400 acres to 2,200 acres.

“These 22 wonderful years have simply flown past,” said Jones, who came to Asheboro from the Zoological Society of London, where he was chief executive officer and had worked in six capacities over 25 years. “We’ve achieved a lot, but none of it would have happened without the support and hard work of an amazing staff with such a varied range of talents and skills.”

Simmons, 58, was hired last September to eventually succeed Jones. She had served the previous 31 years at the Akron (Ohio) Zoo, including the last 29 as president and CEO.

“When Dr. Jones retires, it will have been a year since I started at the North Carolina Zoo,” Simmons said. “His leadership and vision for this amazing zoo speaks for itself. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn about our great zoo from Dr. Jones and the entire zoo staff.”

Simmons has a national reputation in the zoo community, having served on a variety of boards and committees with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA, including serving as its board chair in 2012. AZA is North America's preeminent organization of zoo and aquarium professionals. She is currently on the board of directors of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or WAZA.

“I can truly say that the North Carolina Zoo is in great hands for many years to come,” Jones said. “Pat’s knowledge, enthusiasm and compassion for our animals and staff are evident every day.”